5 incidents where VAR could have helped officials this season.

Last month the Premier League confirmed clubs have agreed for VAR to be used from next season however that won't help teams that have been denied points that could cost them relegation or a place in the Champions League this campaign.

Following Newcastle United's 2-1 loss, at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, Rafael Benítez called for VAR to be "fast-tracked" after his side were denied a penalty and had DeAndre Yedlin sent off.

"If you see the incidents today, it's so obvious, the red card and the elbow in the face of Ayoze Perez. We need VAR right now," he added.

Benítez is not the only manager who has suffered from the lack of VAR, below are five more that have voiced their displeasure.

5. Everton Vs. Watford (December 2018)

Richarlison gave Everton the lead against his former club but during the build up to the goal, Theo Walcott was blatantly offside as he passed to Andre Gomes who cut the ball back to the Brazilian.

The game finished 2-2, Everton equalised in stoppage time, but Watford can feel hard done by as the Toffee's first goal should have been ruled out.

After the game, Watford manager, Javi Gracia said, "I prefer not to say anything about the referees. If VAR was ready the result would have been different."

The win would have sent the Hornets 8th in the league, on the same points as their opponents, but they are 12th.

4. Liverpool Vs. Fulham (November 2018)

Fulham were bottom of the Premier League heading into this match and would need good fortune if they were going to take any points from Anfield - a ground where they had only won once at since 2012.

They thought they had taken the lead, through Aleksander Mitrovic, but his header was incorrectly disallowed for offside.

To make things worse, Mohamed Salah scored from the quickly taken free-kick, just 13 seconds after the away side had the ball in the Reds net.

Xherden Shaqiri added a second as Fulham struggled to get back into the game.

On Mitrovic's 'goal', Fulham's manager Slavisa Jokanovic said,"When I check the clip now it's Robinson who hasn't done a good enough job to squeeze up and my player is onside.

"In one moment, a crucial moment, instead of 1-0 up we're 1-0 down."

Jurgen Klopp admitted his side were “lucky” to have Mitrovic's 'goal' chalked off but that didn't help Jokanovic who was sacked three day later.

3. Crystal Palace Vs. Arsenal (October 2018)

The Eagles were flying after a penalty from skipper Luka Milivojevic, on the stroke off half-time had give them the lead, but Arsenal fought back with a great free-kick from Granit Xhaka.

With the games finely poised, Alexandre Lacazette did his best Diego Maradona impression to glance the ball into the path of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who gave the visitors the lead.

The game ended 2-2, Milivojevic scored another penalty, but Palace saw this a two points dropped thanks to a refereeing error.

When asked if Arsenal's second goal should have been ruled out, Palace manager Roy Hodgson replied, "I think so, absolutely. 

"Especially when, from my position on the bench, our players were complaining about the handball involved."

2. Liverpool Vs. Manchester City (October 2018)

Both teams were unbeaten going into this game, level on 19 points, and they cancelled each other out in a tight contest.

These games are usually defined on fine margins and when Dejan Lovren bundled over Sergio Aguero in the penalty area, City should have been awarded a penalty however referee Martin Atkinson waved play on.

The Citizens did get a penalty later on, Riyad Mahrez skied it but it was the spot-kick that wasn't given that irritated Pep Guardiola.

"I would not like to speak about the referees, about the decisions," he said.

If Manchester City lose out on the league by two points, Guardiola may not be as diplomatic.

1. Southampton Vs. Watford (November 2018)

Perhaps the most controversial reaction to a decision this season occurred at St. Mary's when Southampton were denied a perfectly good goal by referee's assistant Harry Lennard.

The Saints were winless in seven games but were ahead, thanks to Manolo Gabbiadini, when Charlie Austin thought he double their lead.

However Jose Holebas equalised with nine minutes remaining and the game ended all square.

The fireworks went off after the match when Mark Hughes blamed his teams draw on a “bad mistake” from the match officials.

A furious Austin added, "It's ridiculous, they shouldn't be in the game. We scored a perfectly good goal make it 2-0, the game's done and dusted, we win the game."

5 memorable manager reactions to seeing their team win.

Divock Origi's 96th minute winner against Everton, that secured Liverpool a 1-0 win against their bitter rivals, prompted wild scenes at Anfield - mainly from his manager Jurgen Klopp.

The German, who ran onto the pitch to celebrate with his goalkeeper Alisson, later apologised to his Everton counterpart for his actions.

However he was charged with misconduct by the Football Association, which he accepted along with a £8,000 fine.

From pitch invasions to running down the touchline, here are five times managers gave us unforgettable celebrations.

5. Antonio Conte (Italy Vs. Spain – June 2016)

Italy were 1-0 up thanks to a goal from Giorgio Chiellini but were under pressure as Spain pushed for an equaliser, in the Euro 2016 Round of 16 tie.

Antonio Conte's team were holding on and managed to double their lead, through Graziano Pelle, in second-half stoppage time.

That goal prompted an outpour of emotions from Conte, who embraced his back room staff and climbed the dugout like he was about to do pull-ups in the gym.

Italy went out to Germany in the next round however Conte left a lasting impression on the tournament due to his touchline antics.



4. Luis Enrique (Barcelona Vs. Paris Saint-Germain – March 2017)

Barcelona were on the brink of elimination from the Champions League, after losing 4-0 Parc des Princes, but staged a remarkable comeback to level the tie with Neymer scoring in the 88th and 90th minute.

However the Catalan's were still going out thanks to Edinson Cavani's away goal but Sergi Roberto scored in the 95th minute to send them through to the quarter-finals.

Luis Enrique could not contain himself and ran onto the pitch to embrace his players.  

Sliding on his bum, Enrique somehow managed to injure himself during the emotional celebrations.

“I left some ligaments on the pitch but it was worth it,” he admitted.

 

3. Alex Ferguson (Manchester United Vs. Sheffield Wednesday – April 1993) 

The game where 'Fergie Time' began and helped Manchester United towards their first league title in 26 years. 

Before the match, United were a point behind Aston Villa and things were looking bleak after a John Sheridan penalty put the away side 1-0 up.  

With four minutes left, United captain Steve Bruce equalised from a Denis Irwin corner to bring United level.

As the game drew towards a frustrating conclusion for the Red Devils, Bruce popped up again in the 96th minute, heading in a cross from his centre-back partner Gary Pallister.

Alex Ferguson leaped with joy on the touchline, while his assistant, Brian Kidd sunk to his knees on the Old Trafford turf.

2. Graeme Souness (Fenerbahce Vs. Galatasaray – April 1996)

The Istanbul derby is infamous for being one of the most passionate matches in European football.

Graeme Souness, who was know as a hard man during his playing career, hadn't changed much as a manager as he almost caused a riot at the end of the Turkish Cup final between the Istanbul giant's.

After guiding Galatasaray to victory, on Feberbache's home ground, Souness sprinted towards the centre circle and planted a Galatasary flag into the pitch.

The fact Souness had the audacity to do this showed what type of man he is and when asked to explain his outrageous actions, he said, "When I went there one of their vice-presidents had asked 'what are Galatasaray doing by signing a cripple?'

"I saw this guy's face, I thought 'I'll show you who's a cripple' and it wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done."

He added, "When I planted it and turned around, I realised there were a number of fans trying to get onto to the pitch, I managed to get out relatively scot-free."

1. Jose Mourinho (Manchester United Vs. Porto – March 2004)

He wasn't know as the 'Special One' yet but Jose Mourinho's celebrations at Old Trafford here where certainly in that category. 

Porto were heading out of the Champions League after Paul Scholes had put the host in front on the night.

With United head through on away goals, they lost 2-1 in Porto, Tim Howard parried a simple free-kick into the path of Costinha, who made no mistake from six yards. 

United were eliminated and Mourinho jumped from the dugout and ran down the touchline like as man possessed, joining his players as they celebrated in the corner of Old Trafford. 

Porto won the Champions League and Mourinho took over at Chelsea two months later, the rest is history.

Why Wayne Rooney deserves his England swansong.

England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed Wayne Rooney's return to the national team for a friendly against the United States at Wembley next Thursday.

The D.C. United forward, who retired from international duty in August 2017 and is England's all-time record scorer (50 goals), will win his 120^th and final cap for the Three Lions.

On the 33-year-old's inclusion Southgate said, "There have been ongoing discussions since Wayne retired about paying tribute to him and his England career.

"We will paying tribute to a player who deserves the right send off, I think all the players would respect that Wayne's contribution deserves the best possible send-off."

The news Rooney would be coming out of retirement was met with criticism from England's most capped player Peter Shilton, who tweeted:

I don’t agree with giving Wayne Rooney a cap against USA caps should be given on merit! Honour him by a presentation on the pitch and let the youngsters do the job!

— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) November 5, 2018

While the former West Ham and Birmingham manager Harry Redknapp claimed Rooney's appearance would turn the game into a "circus".

However current England captain, Harry Kane, welcomed Rooney's return saying "it's the send off he deserves".

Rooney was the embodiment of a England player, he gave his all for his country during 13 years representing his country.

He hardly missed a game for England and even clashed with his Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, when the Scot tried to prevent him from going to the 2006 World Cup after breaking his metatarsal three months before the tournament.

Having Rooney in the squad will give the likes of Callum Wilson, who is earning his first cap, the chance learn from one of England's greatest players.

Studying Rooney will help the players around him, and being in the presents of a winner like him can only boost team moral.

Major League Soccer is not the most competitive league in the world but Rooney dragged D.C. United from the relegation zone to the play-off, scoring 12 goals along the way.

He was also Everton's top scorer last season, so he still has plenty to offer his England colleagues.

Some fans are to young to remember Rooney's brilliant displays at Euro 2004 so this could be there last chance to see a living legend in the flesh and give him the rapturous applause he deserves.

Rooney's inclusion will also help with ticket sales, the match as been renamed 'The Wayne Rooney Foundation International', and all proceeds will go to his charity.

The Foundation supports disadvantaged and vulnerable children and Rooney started it to "inspire and improve the lives of children and young people".

The game is being held for a very good cause, people arguing Rooney is taking somebody's place in the squad need to look at the bigger picture.

Everything Rooney is doing gives meaning to an otherwise meaningless friendly, Southgate claimed he wanted to make former players “feel part of things” and this is the prefect opportunity to do just that.

The Netherlands gave Wesley Sneijder a sendoff after he retired from International duty in September, Germany did the same for Lukas Podolski in March 2017 so why shouldn't Rooney be allowed the same honour?

To whet your appetite for Rooney's return, below are his greatest goal's at Wembley for England:

5 of the best Manchester United comebacks under Jose Mourinho.

Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United were synonymous with comebacks.

It could be from 3-0 down, or scoring two goals in a minute to win games - United never gave up.

Once the greatest manager in the club's history left, people questioned the team's character and ability to come back from the dead.

They lacked that particular trait under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal but have shown under Jose Mourinho that some of the Scot's spirit still exists.

Here are the Red Devils' greatest comebacks under the Special One.

5. Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (Premier League 25/02/2017)

Chelsea come out of the blocks quickly at Old Trafford and should have taken the lead when Alvaro Morata hit the bar from six yards out.

They did take go in front in the 32nd minute when Willian converted from Eden Hazard's through ball.

The visitors looked comfortable, but the Red Devils' equalised six minutes before half-time with Romelu Lukaku netting against his former club.

Substitute Jesse Lingard then scored a rare header to complete the turnaround with 15 minutes remaining.

The win was sweet for Mourinho, who had been sacked twice by Chelsea, and for Lukaku, who scored and assisted against the club that sold him without giving him a real chance in the first-team.

4. Crystal Palace 2-3 Manchester United (Premier League 5/03/2018)

Crystal Palace were in the middle of a relegation battle last year, but stormed into a 2-0 lead through Andros Townsend and Patrick van Aanholt.

With Palace so strong at home it looked a long way back for United, but Chris Smalling pulled a goal back and Romelu Lukaku put United on level terms with a 15 minutes to go.

The game looked like it was heading for a draw until Nemanja Matic scored a stunning volley, his first goal for the club, in stoppage time, to give United all three points.

It was the first time in 28 league games that United had won after being behind at half-time.

After the thrilling win, Jose Mourinho said, "I always believe we can win. I will be like that until my last day."

3. Manchester United 3-2 Newcastle United (Premier League 6/10/2018)

Jose Mourinho was facing the sack regardless of the result against Newcastle United according to The Daily Mirror.

If it was the case, he may have been the first manager to be dismissed at half-time, as Newcastle were 2-0 up at that point, thanks to two goals in three minutes from Kenedy and Yoshinori Muto.

Things could have been worse for the home side if not for a great save by David De Gea to deny Muto his second goal, and Newcastle's third.

Mourinho needed goals, and in an effort to find them he hooked Eric Bailly and replaced him with Juan Mata with 20 minutes gone.

United toiled but the Magpies remained resolute until the 70th minute, when Mata curled in a majestic free-kick to give them hope.

Six minutes later, it was 2-2, with Anthony Martial scoring from a Paul Pogba pass. And then in 'Fergie Time', Old Trafford erupted as Alexis Sanchez headed in Ashley Young's cross.

That was the seventh time Manchester United had won after being two or more goals down at half-time - four more than any other Premier League team.

At full-time a relieved Mourinho said he his team gave "everything without any fear" to turn the match around.

He added, "We fought so much. They deserve even if the game ends 2-2. The feeling would be a positive feeling because nobody can promise to win matches."

2. Juventus 1-2 Manchester United (UEFA Champions League 7/11/2018)

After being out classed by the same opponents, at Old Trafford a fortnight ago, Manchester United came into this game as massive underdogs.

Juventus are formidable at home, one loss in the group stages in nine years is evidence of that, while United had struggled in recent away games against major teams in the Champions League.

Everything was going to script, Juve dominate possession and hit the woodwork through Sami Khedira and Paulo Dybala.

United eventually caved under pressure, they have conceded first in six of the last eight matches, and it was ex player Cristiano Ronaldo, who did the damage with a sublime volley from Leonardo Bonucci's long ball.

With Valencia winning against Young Boys, United were on four points and in third place in Group H, with two matches remaining. The Europa League beckoned.

As the expected loss grew closer, Juan Mata (yes him again), produced a moment of magic from a free-kick to bring United level with four minutes to go.

A drew would have been a good result for the away side but things got even better for The Red Devils.

With a minute remaining, captain Ashley Young's cross was turned into his own net by Alex Sandro.

Juve's undefeated start to the season was over and United's Champion's League campaign is back on track.

This win was not as sensational as the victory in Turin 19 years ago, United won 3-2 after being 2-0 down on route to the treble, but it showed this current squad are capable of pulling off win's from seemingly impossible odds.

1. Manchester City 2-3 Manchester United (Premier League 7/04/2018)

Manchester City were going to win the title regardless of the result here, United were playing for pride.

City needed to win to be confirmed as champions and have the pleasure of securing the league against their fiercest rivals.

The home side blew United away with captain Vincent Kompany powering a header into David De Gea's net, in the 25th minute, and Ilkay Gundogan doubling the lead five minutes later.

United were in danger of going under and the host could have been further ahead had it not been for Raheem Sterling who missed a few chances.

Whatever Jose Mourinho said during the interval worked as his team came roaring back in the second half.

Paul Pogba grabbed the game by the scruff off the neck scoring two goals in two minutes to bring United level.

The remarkable comeback was complete when Chris Smalling struck from Alexis Sanchez's free-kick.

City could have snatched an equaliser but David De Gea denied Sergio Aguero with a world-class save in injury time.

United held on for a memorable win, in the words of Sir Alex himself, "football bloody hell".



2018/19 Premier League preview.

26 days after a brilliant World Cup concluded, Premier League football returns on Friday night with Leicester City visiting Old Trafford to face last seasons runners up Manchester United.

United finished second to Manchester City and The Citizens are hoping to become the first team since The Red Devils, who won a hat-trick of titles from 2007 until 2009, to retain the Premier League title.

Manchester City are favourites to win the league and that should not come as an surprise.

Last season they broke several records on route to lifting their third Premier League title including the most points (100), goals (106), wins (32) and highest goal difference (79).

Unsurprisingly the champions had a quite summer in the transfer market, if it's not broken why fix it could sum up their activity during pre-season.

They missed out on former Napoli midfielder Jorginho, who Pep Guardiola described as an “exceptional holding midfielder”, to Chelsea and made one major signing, Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City.

Riyad Mahrez is Manchester City's record signing.

Mahrez, who became City's most expensive player (60million), will compete with Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Leroy Sané and Kevin De Bruyne (who's 16 assists were a league high in 2017/18) for wide places at the Etihad.

The return to full fitness of World Cup winner Benjamin Mendy is a boost to their back line while John Stones performances in Russia will give him more confidence for the season ahead.

It is much harder to defend the title than it is to win it, however City will take some stopping.

Their comfortable 2-0 win against Chelsea, in the Community Shield, at Wembley Stadium last Sunday is evidence of that.

The Champions League is the trophy City's owner Sheikh Mansour really desire and the club prioritizing that over domestic matters and complacency are the only things that can stop them winning the league again.

While City's summer was plain sailing, the same cannot be said for the red half of Manchester.

United finished 19 points behind City last campaign and that gap could widen rather than close.

The word “turmoil” has been used to describe the scene at Old Trafford with the future's of Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba filling many gossip columns.

Philippe Lamboley, a representative of Martial, claimed the 22-year-old wanted to leave the club insisting "the time has come" for the player to move on after Martial missed out on a place in the France World Cup squad due to the lack of minutes for his club.

The relationship between Martial and José Mourinho worsened after reports emerged the winger was fined £180,000 for leaving the club's tour of America to be at the birth of his son.

With the transfer window closing on Thursday it looks like Martial will stay at the club unless they can find a replacement, Chelsea's Willian and Inter's Ivan Perišić have been linked.

Manchester United sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk for 52million.

Pogba, who's goal in the World Cup final helped France lift the trophy, was subject to player plus cash bid from Barcelona.

The club did not comment on the offer but it was rejected, United know the value of Pogba on and off the pitch.

Results during pre-season were poor, United only won one game in normal time and did not muster a shot on target in their last fixture against Bayern Munich.

While performances left a lot to be desired, the emergence of Andreas Pereira was a major plus.

The Brazilian midfielder, who spent last season at Valencia, scored a brilliant free-kick against Liverpool and showed why he is rated so highly by everybody at the club.

Alexis Sanchez was another player who impressed during pre-season, his first at the club while new number 10, Marcus Rashford is improving all the time.

During United's aforementioned tour, Mourinho revealed he gave Ed Woodward a "list of five names" that he wanted to sign but thought he would get one of those.

New signing Fred will give United balance in the centre of the park and another new arrival Diogo Dalot is one for the future however they are not the major signings that United fans clamour for.

With Mourinho's record of 'third season syndrome' it could be a difficult season at Old Trafford.

Tottenham Hotspur have not signed any players so far but keeping hold of Harry Kane, who won the Golden Boot at the World Cup, was an important piece of busnisess after the 25-year-old was linked to Real Madrid.

The futures of Danny Rose and Toby Alderweireld are uncertain but the form of Ben Davies and club record signing Dávinson Sánchez means the club won't miss either man if they leave.

Tottenham's new stadium cost 800million.

Without adding to their squad it is hard to see Spurs improving on their third place finish from last season.

Staying in the top four or winning a domestic cup, for the first time since 2008, would represent a good season however it is just a matter of time before Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen start to question the club's ambition.

With the new stadium, Daniel Levy will be more reluctant than usual to splash the cash, it could be a season of frustration for Spurs supporters.

In contrast to Spurs, Liverpool spent 175million on Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri, Naby Keita (deal was agreed last year) and Alisson Becker.

The latter was a key signing as they could have become Champion's of Europe for a sixth time if it wasn't for Loris Karius.

Keita will bring energy to midfield and Fabinho will protect the back four while Shaqiri is tried and tested in the Premier League.

Allison cost £65million from Roma.

Virgil van Dijk has grown into his role as defensive leader and a fit again Nathaniel Clyne will provide health competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had a great 2017/18 that resulted in him being called up to the England World Cup squad.

Pundits ran out of superlatives to describe Mohamed Salah last season as he scored 32 goals in 36 games on route to being named PFA Player Of The Year.

If the Egyptian continues that form, along side Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, there is every chance that The Reds can be Manchester City's closes challengers.

A year after winning the title, Chelsea parted company with Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri became their ninth manager in 15 years.

Sarri, who is yet to win a trophy during a career spanning 18 years, will need to use his power's of persuasion to keep hold off star players Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois.

At the end of last season Hazard, who has two years left on his contract, said he was "taking his time" when asked about signing a new deal and wants the club to attract "good players" for the upcoming season.

Courtois is being linked with Real Madrid as he wants to return to Spain to be with his family.

Jorginho rejected Manchester City to sign for Chelsea.

It is hard to see Chelsea selling both of those players, if one was to leave Courtois would be the easier to replace.

Jorginho followed Sarri from Napoli while Robert Green was a surprise addition.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Mitcy Batshuayi are attacking options after returning from loan spells while Ross Barkley needs to kick on if he wants to fulfil the potential he has threatened to show.

The top four or a Europa League win is a must for Sarri or he could be another victim of Roman Abramovich's itchy trigger finger.

For the first time in 22 years Arsenal will start the season with a new manager as Unai Emery replaced Arsène Wenger.

Emery, who won three successive Europa League's with Sevilla (2014-2016) and Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain (2017-18), wasted no time in fixing problem area's from last season.

Lucas Torreira cost a reported £27 million from Sampdoria.

He signed goalkeeper Bernd Leno along with defenders Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Stephan Lichsteiner.

Lucas Torreira will add steel to a midfield that looked weak at times last season, especially away from home.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan will feel like a new signing and after a terrible World Cup, Mesut Özil will be relishing linking up with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette again.

Aaron Ramsey only has a year left on his contract, and with him being a key player for Arsenal the sooner that situation is resolved that better.

Emery is a proven winner and can take Arsenal back into the top four, that has to be his minimal aim this season.

Burnley are already two weeks in to the season thanks to Europa League qualifiers.

Their 7^th placed finish last season was the club's highest in Premier League history but playing extra games, with a small squad that has only added Matej Vydra, Joe Hart and Ben Gibson, could be a issue for Sean Dyche men.

Joe Hart in action for Burnley in their Europa League qualifer against Instanbul Basaksehir.

Finishing higher that high again would be remarkable achievement for The Clarets, a top ten finish maybe a more realistic proposition unless they add more players to their squad.

After spending £140m last summer, on the likes of Michael Keane, Gylfi Sigurðsson and Theo Walcott, Everton have had a quiet transfer window so far this time around.

Marco Silva replaced Sam Allardyce and so far has only spent £40m on Richarlison, from his former club Watford.

Left-back Lucas Digne arrived on loan from Barcelona and it is possible Yerry Mina will join him.

Richarlison followed Marco Silva to Everton from Watford.

After selling Ramiro Funes Mori to Villarreal and allowing Ashley Williams to join Stoke City, central defence is an area Silva needs to address.

Last season's top scorer and returning hero Wayne Rooney left to join DC United so a goal scorer should arrive if Everton want to improve on their 8^th placed finish.

Omar Niasse works hard but does not have the quality needed to take the Toffee's up the league table and his follow striker Cenk Tosun ended the season with five goals.

2015-16 champions Leicester City lost Riyad Mahrez but keeping hold of Harry Maguire would soften that blow.

Maguire's form in the World Cup has alerted Manchester United who are keen to sign the centre back.

If he does stay, Maguire could form a solid partnership in defence with Jonny Evans, who joined from West Bromwich Albion.

Johnny Evans only cost Leicester £4million, a bargain. 

Another new signing Danny Ward will give Kasper Schmeichel competition between the sticks that the Dane hasn't had for years.

James Maddison scored 14 goals from midfielder for Norwich City last season, something that Leicester lacked.

Rachid Ghezzal, who was bought as a direct replacement for Mahrez, should add goals to this team that were heavily reliant on Jamie Vardy last season.

Leicester can climb the table this season, a place in the Europa League is not out of reach.

Newcastle United surprised many by finishing 10^th last season as they were expected to struggle due to the lack of investment from owner Mike Ashley.

Rafael Benítez has done his best but Ki-Sung Yueng, Fabian Schär and Yoshinori Mutō are hardly the type of players that the Toon Army want to see at St. James Park.

Salomón Rondón swapped clubs with Dwight Gayle.

While the exciting Kenedy has returned for another loan spell and Salomón Rondón is a better option that Dwight Gayle, it looks like another season of doom and gloom on Tyneside.

Keeping hold of star player Wilfried Zaha is all the Crystal Palace fans want this summer.

Zaha was sensational last season and Palace faced the possibility of going down if he did not return to fitness in March.

The 25-year-old was so influential that Palace lost every game when he did not play.

Max Mayer joined The Eagles on a free.

Other than Zaha, goals were hard to come by so Conor Wickham returning from injury is a timely boost.

New signing Max Mayer will add creativity to the final third after the departure of Yohan Cabaye.

Staying up is Palace's objective this season, they should achieve it.

The fact Bournemouth are entering their 4th season in the Premier League shows how well Eddie Howe has done at the club.

The £25million spent on Jefferson Lerma is their record transfer fee, Diego Rico and David Brooks also joined the club.

Jefferson Lerma had an impressive World Cup for Colombia.

Jordon Ibe has not repaid the faith Howe has shown in him and needs a big season.

Jermain Defoe, Callum Wilson and Joshua King will score enough goals to keep them up.

What a great summer it has been so far for West Ham United.

The club broke their transfer record twice in a month, first on centre-back Issa Diop (£22m) then splashing out £14m more on Felipe Anderson.

Diop, Ryan Fredericks and Lukasz Fabianski could be a key defensive signing for West Ham.

The Hammers shipped a league high 68 goals last season.

Those four combined with Andriy Yarmolenko and Jack Wilshere mean West Ham fans are optimistic about the campaign ahead which makes a difference from some of the toxic scenes we saw at the London Stadium last season.

Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson joined from Arsenal and Lazio respectively.

Not only have new players arrived, Manuel Pellegrini is the new man on the touchline.

Owners David Sullivan and David Gold have backed Pellegrini in the transfer market and the Chilean is expected to improve on the club's 13^th place from last season.

Pellegrini won the title with Manchester City, in 2014, and could be the man to finally show what the 'West Ham Way' really is.

Ben Foster left relegated West Brom to re-join The Hornets. 

This will be Javi Gracia's first full season in charge at Watford and it could be a hard one.

Ben Foster has returned to Vicarage Road, after 11 years, while Gerard Deulofeu made his transfer from Barcelona permanent.

Keeping Abdoulaye Doucouré is a must and if club captain Troy Deeney can stay on the pitch, he missed seven games last season due to suspension, they may have enough to survive for another season.

Chris Hughton spent £17m, a club record fee, on Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh to ensure Brighton stay in the Premier League for a second season.

Jahanbakhsh scored 21 goals for AZ Alkmaar last season but the Eredivisie is a totally different proposition from the Premier League.

Hughton also parted with £15m to sign midfielder Yves Bissouma to add steel to the middle of the park.

While both players are unknown quantities, Brighton fan's will be encouraged to see the club spending money.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh played in all three group games for Iran in the World Cup.

Despite his ageing legs, Glenn Murray goals were vital in keeping The Seagulls up last season.

If he can repeat that form, they should retain their Premier League status.

Like Brighton, Huddersfield Town signed players that are not familiar with the Premier League.

Juninho Bacuna and Adama Diakhaby could be considered gambles.

Erik Durm is a good addition and Ramadan Sobhi played for Stoke City last season. 

Ramadan Sobhi will hope he doesn't suffer back-to-back relegations.

The Terriers only scored 28 goals last season, joint worse with Swansea City, and have not strengthened their attack enough.

The Championship beckons for them.

Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic leaving Southampton came as a surprise but Mohamed Elyounoussi and Stuart Armstrong are good replacements.

Stuart Armstrong left Celtic to join Southampton.

Mark Hughes knows the league well and with a full pre-season with his players, their relegations troubles from last season are behind them.

Fulham return to the Premier League after a four year absence with the sole purpose of retaining their status in the division.

Jean Michaël Seri is a major coup, so is World Cup winner André Schürrle, Alfie Mawson was one of the few players who could hold their head high after Swansea's relegation and Calum Chambers has a point to prove after being loaned out by Arsenal again.

Jean Michaël Seri chose Fulham over several European teams.

Those new players along with Aleksandar Mitrović, Ryan Sessegnon and the man who's goal won the Play-off Final Tom Cairney, should ensure Fulham stay up.

Wolves won the Championship at a canter last season, they spent big to come up and have done the same to remain in the 'best league in the world'.

João Moutinho and Rui Patricio are a shrewd signings, their experience could be vital in helping them stay up.

João Mourinho was a surprise signing from Monaco.

If playmaker Rúben Neves can duplicate his form from last season then Wolves have a good chance of staying up.

They may need add some more fire power before the transfer window closes as Raúl Jiménez is unproven at this level.

Cardiff haven't added enough depth to their squad while Josh Murphy and Bobby Reid are good Championship players but are not good enough for the Premier League.

It will be a swift return to the Championship for Neil Warnock's men unless they make some serious acquisitions before deadline day.

Bobby Reid left Bristol City to join Cardiff in the Premier League.

Predicted Premier League table:

1. Manchester City
2. Liverpool
3. Manchester United
4. Tottenham
5. Arsenal
6. Chelsea
7. West Ham United
8. Everton
9. Leicester City
10. Watford
11. Bournemouth
12. Newcastle United
13. Southampton
14. Crystal Palace
15. Wolves
16. Brighton
17. Burnley
18. Fulham
19. Cardiff City
20. Huddersfield